The Oral History of Travel’s Greatest Acquisition: Booking.com

The article on Skift provides an oral history detailing the acquisition of Booking.com by Priceline, now known as Booking Holdings, in 2005. It explores the strategic foresight and decisions that led to this pivotal $133 million deal, which significantly transformed Priceline into a global online travel giant. Key figures involved in the acquisition share insights into the negotiations and emphasize the cultural differences between the companies, highlighting how Booking.com's European market expertise and innovative business model played a crucial role in its success. The narrative underscores the importance of adaptability and vision in the rapidly evolving travel industry.